Another “Hard to Start” Thread

[Onetrackmind]

Hey all...brand new M998 owner and I also have starting issues. I’m hoping for some guidance. I have also downloaded the TMs and searched quite a bit on SS for answers...still scratching my head though.

First start of the morning takes a while, but subsequent starts are a breeze (it’s hot in TX). Symptoms:

No Wait light at all...ever
No battery draw when switched to run and definitely no cycling
Takes a lot of cranking in the morning
Lots of white smoke while cranking
All 8 GPs failed an ohm test in the head
One GP has a severely bent connector
The three GPs that I tried to remove were swollen

Here is what I have done. Disconnected the Neg on batteries and then cleaned and lubed the cannon plugs on the KDS (it has a KDS S3 w a yellow band TSU). Cleaned and lubed the plug on the TSU. Found all of the grounds and cleaned/lubed them too. I plan on building a supplemental grounding harness in the next few days and have already ordered new GPs and a removal tool. I also took the Interstate batteries that are in it out and had them tested at the parts store. They tested out great, but now that I think about it...they didn’t load test them.

My question is this. It seems like I should probably replace the KDS and TSU as well...probably fried. Which S3 start box should I get? Are the Nartron and KDS equivalents? Or is one better than the other? Also, can the KDS be analyzed by testing equipment for civilian cars?

Thanks in advance!

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[Onetrackmind]

I had a chance to pull the GPs and install the Kascar grounding harness this morning and I had hoped that things would improve. Unfortunately, I am getting a constant stream of 4 volts to the GP boots. Not 24 like I had hoped and it doesn't seem to ever drop off (I waited five minutes, then checked again...still 4 volts).

I went ahead and pulled the KDS S3 out of the HV thinking it may be full of water or have parts rattling around inside it. Nope.

Then I ran the GP flowchart out of the -20 Troubleshooting Guide. I checked continuity between Sockets A and B on the engine connector harness, which has continuity. I then checked between B and and the GP controller harness 3...then A and 6. I have good continuity in the wiring, so the guide says to replace the GP Controller. I have the Yellow Band TSU and the KDS S3 2700. Should I just get a new Yellow TSU and hope my S3 is still good?

---OR---

Is it a forgone conclusion that I need a new box as well? I talked to Kascar and Erik's Surplus...both say there is a Nationwide backorder on KDS boxes right now.

Thanks for any insight you may have.

 

[ikoinu]

Congratulations on your purchase!

So with the existing control box does the vehicle run well once you get through the startup? Any other issues?

Like you, I was having issues starting because my ESS was sending 23v constant to my glow plugs

If it does run well, I'd suggest breaking the unreliable controller reliance by installing a push button glow plug switch. My M998 is my dd and after doing this I have never had an issue.

https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?174509-Manual-Glow-Plug-Control-Instructions&highlight=

 

[Onetrackmind]

Thanks for the reply. I put in a grounding harness and already have a new KDS S3 at the house, but I won’t be home until tomorrow to install it. So I am stuck w it regardless as I’m pretty sure no one would accept a return on it.

I will definitely keep this in mind if I continue to have trouble with it. It’s a great idea!


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